Artist Spotlight - Mary Beth Tipton

Mary Beth Tipton realized early on she was a creative person. "I am so fortunate to have grown up in a creative family.  My grandmother and mother were and are very inventive and artistic women.  From candles to furniture to costumes they never shied away from making anything. I was always encouraged in my imaginative endeavors. Drawing and painting and general art-making have always been personally satisfying."
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Her years as an art educator working with young children have influenced her perceptions and concerns. She believes suspending self-consciousness and her inner critic are essential to making art that feels authentic. Mary Beth is not afraid to experiment. "Deciding and committing to a preferred medium is something that, for me, requires discipline. There are so many mediums that I love working in, or want to try.  Which is why combining the versatility of acrylic and the rich romantic quality of oils suits me so well."

She really likes to be able to work in the late afternoon to early evening. "I'm less concerned with the day's responsibilities.  It is a good time to decompress and free-associate."

Her routine includes some creative distractions. “Over the last few months I've found a number of podcasts that help keep me distracted enough to create. I like true crime mixed with good banter."

A few last words: "I began a new body of work last spring which seemed to crystalize some recurring themes in my work – ideas that have been present but gone unidentified. I am growing more aware of what is personal and what is a reaction to my environment."

We look forward to seeing where her creativity will take her.

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